THOUSANDS of villagers marvelled at a royal parade and then lapped up the entertainment at Saturday's Wolverley Carnival. Brett Harrison, the licensee of the Lock Inn, on the pub float.

Between 1,500 and 2,000 people turned out to watch the royal-themed parade of nine floats and vintage cars, led by the Severn Siders marching band from Stourport. Val Hartland on the Queen's College Oxford float.

An old army jeep carried carnival queen Laura Webb, 15, nine-year-old princess Kelly Burkett, and rosebud Rhiannon Gower, five, along the route, which wound its way from Sebright Green to the Memorial Hall field where the festivities began.

"It was a superb day - very tiring!" said treasurer Charles Sherrey. "A float from Wolverley Cygnets Nursery won the best float competition. princess Kelly Burkett, queen Laura Webb and rosebud Rhiannon Gower.

"The theme for all the floats was kings or queens - in its broadest sense. There was a float with guys dressed up imitating Queen the rock group." cousins James, 6, and Ian Edwards, four, in regal costume.

Events after the parade included a tug-of-war tournament, contested by five teams and won by regulars from the Live and Let Live pub in the village, an archery demonstration and football games.

There was also a show by Wombourne Dog Display Team with hounds jumping through flaming hoops, running through tunnels and over jumps. Margaret Woodward, Margaret Chapman and Yvonne Cooper in army and navy gear.

Mr Sherrey added: "Everything was tremendously well-supported. The takings from the carnival procession collection was more than £350 - 30 per cent higher than last year."

The money goes towards non-profit making organisations in the village, such as the Scouts.

Wolverley Carnival will again be held on the first Saturday in July next year.